Pink Shell to host Chili Cook Off benefit Sunday

July 20, 2012

Chefs (or presumed chefs) are invited to participate in the third annual Great American Chili Cook Off at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina this Sunday (July 22). The Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Culinary Federation is sponsoring the contest.

The cook off will be limited to a maximum of 30 teams or individuals. If interested in joining, a cost of $40 will be charged for each chili entrant. Teams or individuals will be permitted to set up starting at 11 a.m. on event day. There will be a "cooks' meeting" at 2 p.m.

The event is open to the public, beginning at 4 p.m. The public is encouraged to bring cash, canned and dry food as a donation to the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Both a "people's choice" and "most unique" award will be voted on by the public.

Article Photos

FILE PHOTOChili cook-off winner Heath Higginbotham of Bistro 41 served the best chili at the Great American Chili Cook Off at Pink Shell Resort in 2010.

All chili must be prepared on site from scratch with natural ingredients. Cooks must bring a printed recipe card. Specific guidelines and registration may be obtained by contacting Chef Craig at 463-8613 or cpanneton@pinkshell.com.

Judging starts at 5 p.m. and will consist of the following qualities: aroma, consistency, color, taste, and aftertaste. Prizes will be awarded as follows: 1st place-medal and $200 cash; 2nd place-medal and $100 cash; and 3rd place-medal and $50 cash. Both the "people's choice" and "most unique" will receive medals.

The Harry Chapin Food Bank solicits, collects and stores quality food for distribution to families in need through a network of nonprofit agencies in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Charlotte and Glades counties, who provide food to more than 30,000 people monthly. More than 1 million pounds of food are distributed monthly. For every dollar donated, about $6 in food value goes back to the community. In the past calendar year, The Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed more than 13.7 million pounds of food and other grocery items valued at more than $22.5 million. This is roughly the equivalent of 11 million meals to people in need.

Additional information about or to contribute financially to the Harry Chapin Food Bank, contact 334-7007 or go to harrychapinfoodbank.org.